1994 graduates of UNILAG Actuarial Science & Insurance donate multi-million naira items to alma mater, orphanage
Abdullateef Fowewe
In a heartfelt reunion, the 1994 University of Lagos graduates of Actuarial Science and Insurance celebrated their 30-year journey, acknowledging their personal and professional transformations.
The gathering which occurred at the University of Lagos Mass Communications department on Sunday, included tributes to deceased classmates and a commitment to support current students through donations of office furniture, a bursary of N200,000 each for six outstanding students and relief donations to the orphanages.
The alumni emphasised the importance of giving back to their institution and inspiring future generations to strive for excellence in their careers.
Speaking with the journalists at the sideline of the event, the Vice Chancellor of the UNILAG, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, commended the 1994 UNILAG ASISA for their contributions, including supporting the department, the university, and indigent students, stating that the alumni have pledged to continue their generosity.
She thereby recognised the alumni for their efforts in ensuring that financially challenged students do not miss out on education opportunities.
She said, “Today, they (1994 ASISA) have given back to the department. They’ve given back to the University of Lagos, and they’ve promised to even do more. And they are also giving awards to indigent students to support those who have more challenges in accessing quality education. One of the things we say here, and the University of Lagos has a proud history of supporting indigent students is that students should not fall behind or should not drop out just because they cannot pay.
“So in addition to our alumni giving awards, and many of them are supporting some of the things that we do, like work, study, like scholarships and so on, what we’re seeing here today is another evidence of the fact that our alumni are working very closely with the university to ensure that those who don’t have, who lack the finances, are not disenfranchised just because they cannot pay, so I want to thank the alumni because they’ve done a lot Today.
“They are seeding into their faculty to ensure that those who provide education, the faculty, are also comfortable so that they can give their best. So here we’re just celebrating 30 years of togetherness, and I’m happy to be amongst them.“
In his remark, the 1994 ASISA president, Samson Akinyemi, emphasised the need for academic programs to be relevant to the industry (Insurance/Pension), criticising the use of ancient materials and methods that do not align with current industry needs.
However, Akinyemi advocated for collaboration with the industry to ensure that education and research are practical and impactful.
“It’s important that we work on this, I realise many courses that were made to go through, which are no relevance to the industry that we are working in today, and using the same old material to turn our students will not be the best.
“So we will draw knowledge from outside to join force. We get to make sure that the knowledge gap is dropped whatever product they are turning out for the industry, either the graduate level or master level or the executive level, we make sure it’s relevant for the industry, both the insurance and pension industry,” he added.
While rounding up the event, some of the alumni reflected on their diverse experiences during their time at the university and the impact of influential lecturers. Some acknowledged the challenges of their academic journey, and they celebrated their achievements as leaders in the insurance and pension industry.
